Former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin turned down approaches from two Italian clubs as he waited to join Barcelona this summer.
The 27-year-old Spaniard was clearly out of the door in North London after spending last season on loan with Real Betis, and many clubs across Europe were interested in picking up the talented full back, but ultimately the Blaugrana won out. Now that he’s settled a little in Catalonia, he’s ready to make his debut for the club.
As highlighted by Fabrizio Romano, Bellerin rejected offers from two Italian clubs, understood to be Udinese and Sassuolo, in a bid to join Barcelona. He took a large pay cut in order to push through the move, underlining his desire to stay in Spain.
Neroverdi director Giovanni Carnevali confirmed the club’s interest earlier this month, noting that “we lost the race with Barcelona.”
Despite his extensive injury history, Bellerin would’ve likely shined in Serie A, following in the footsteps of a number of former Premier League players who revitalised their careers in Italy like Roma’s Chris Smalling.